Staffers at Dogs & Cats Forever hear that phrase frequently during kitten season as adopters try to decide which fluffy bundle of joy that they want to take home.

There's another phrase, however, which staffers hear increasingly, which is cause for much concern-"I'm surrendering two cats, and they have to stay together."

While it is relatively easy to find a home for two kittens, finding a place for two adults can sometimes be impossible. Often these adults are inseparable because one is confidant and friendly and the other is shy and totally dependent. Invariably, many adopters only want the friendly one, but staff recognizes that the other cat would be devastated without its housemate. So, while pairs of kittens go home in a flash, pairs of adults wait months, years or even forever.

Stinker and George were a bonded pair, which fit the profile exactly. Abandoned by their owner, six-year-old Stinker was outgoing, while three-year-old George was shy. And while Stinker had many applicants, George was overlooked.

By Christmastime, the pair had been at the shelter for four months, and it was time for small miracle.

Stephanie Cassidy's cat, Toby, had recently passed away and her house was "too quiet." Looking at Dogs & Cats' website, Stephanie had always been drawn to the photos of cats that had to be adopted together. She called Dogs & Cats and asked if there were any pairs available. The next day, when Stephanie and her brother met the boys, she recalled, "It was love at first sight for the four of us. We knew immediately that they were 'keepers.'"

At home, Stephanie said that both George and Stinker acclimated immediately. "They are ‘purrers,'" said Stephanie, adding, that they often gallop through the house, earning them the nickname "Road Runners." Stephanie said that Stinker was too handsome to have such a funny name, so he is now "Sam."

"They are so beautiful," said Stephanie. "We find ourselves smiling a lot at them. What a wonderful thing it is to give a home to Sam and George. Happy days are here again."

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